Deportivo La Coruña are targeting their first victory since securing promotion back to La Liga. Valencia are their latest opponents at the Riazor.
Traoré arrival boosts Depor as a busy summer nears conclusion
Deportivo La Coruña have spent €26m in this window, and they added another player this week. Winger Adama Traoré has joined on a free transfer, and he’s likely to make the bench on Sunday.
Noé Carrillo is the only expected injury absentee for the hosts. Antonio Hidalgo is still in the process of figuring out his strongest lineup, following draws against Elche and Málaga.
After a bright start, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is certain to be the main striker for the Galicians this term. Jonathan Asp Jensen, another recent addition, will offer support. He scored eight goals in 33 appearances in the Swiss Super League for Grasshopper last term.
Deportivo La Coruña predicted lineup vs Valencia (4-2-3-1): Román; Navarro, Noubi, Loureiro, Quagliata; Amatucci, Mario; Altimira, Asp Jensen, Luismi; Aubameyang.
Injury-hit Valencia are searching for first goal
A 1-0 midweek defeat to Real Betis added to the pressure on Valencia boss Carlos Corberán. His conservative approach has been criticised by supporters, but he looks set to continue with a 5-3-2 structure at the Riazor.
Los Che are short on firepower, but changes are possible in attack ahead of this game. Umar Sadiq will be introduced to lead the line and offer more physicality in the final third. His four goals in La Liga last season came at a rate of a strike every 226 minutes.
Diego López, Justin de Haas, José Manuel Copete and Sergi Canós are sidelined through injury. Dimitri Foulquier is also unlikely to feature, despite nearing fitness following a long-term knee injury.
Valencia predicted lineup vs Deportivo La Coruña (5-3-2): Dimitrievski; Maffeo, Tárrega, Pepelu, Diakhaby, Vázquez; G. Rodríguez, Guerra, Ugrinic; Sato, Sadiq.
Deportivo La Coruña vs Valencia Prediction
- Safe Tip: Deportivo La Coruña to win or draw
- Odds: 1.436 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 Valencia
- 22Bet Booking Code: DJP1H
Key stats:
- Including pre-season, Deportivo La Coruña have avoided defeat in seven of their last eight matches.
- Valencia are winless in five games, including friendlies.
- Los Che have failed to score in three outings, since a 2-1 pre-season loss to Newcastle in early August.
This is the first meeting in eight years for these rivals, and it arrives as both clubs are still finalising their summer transfer activity. Deportivo La Coruña are in a stronger position having concluded most of their business. By contrast, Los Che still look short in some areas, with the permanent signing of key target Largie Ramazani yet to be agreed.
Valencia’s poor form also makes backing Depor to win or draw the smart pick. A total of just two goals scored in five outings so far this month highlights the away team’s problems in attack. They hit the target with just three of their 16 attempts against Betis.
Deportivo La Coruña vs Valencia Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to score anytime
- Odds: 2.875 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: RDS1H
Aubameyang’s finishing ability could make the difference here. With two goals in two games on his return to La Liga, the veteran striker is the value pick to score anytime.
The 37-year-old also netted 10 times in 30 appearances in Ligue 1 for Marseille last season and has quickly developed an understanding with his new teammates.
Verdict: Deportivo La Coruña to win or draw (1.436) — Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 Valencia
